John Bowler Wins 2025-26 DII Men's Basketball Coach of the Year

Charlotte, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association annouced on Thursday that John Bowler of Parkland College has been named the 2025-26 NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Coach of the Year. Bowler led the Cobras to a historic season, capturing the program’s first national championship since 1986 and just the second title in school history.

Parkland closed the season with a 29-7 overall record, winning its final seven games to claim both the Central District Championship and the NJCAA National Championship. The Cobras’ postseason run included an 86-78 victory over Johnson County in the second round, followed by a 92-79 win over Milwaukee Area Tech in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, Parkland defeated region rival Danville Area, 77-66, before finishing the run with a 76-68 victory over Ellsworth in the title game. Throughout the national tournament, the Cobras embraced the underdog role, winning as the lower seed in each contest after entering the postseason ranked No. 12 in the final poll.

Bowler recently completed his fourth season leading Parkland, compiling an impressive 109-29 record during his tenure. Prior to taking over the Cobras program, Bowler spent three seasons as an assistant coach at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he helped elevate the Panthers’ success, including significant improvements in winning percentage and recruiting.

With this latest honor, Bowler adds NJCAA Coach of the Year recognition to a season that will be remembered as one of the most successful in Parkland basketball history.

For the full press release follow this link: Bowler Named COY